A survey of neuroimaging research in European neurological departments

In the international neurological literature, neuroimaging research plays a n important role. Neuroimaging techniques are also of steadily increasing i mportance for clinical diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Therefore, neuro imaging research activities were surveyed by a questionnaire, which was com pleted by 100 neurological centres across Europe. It showed that most group s use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fMRI, computerized tomography (CT) and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). Positron emissi on tomography (PET) and ultrasound are also employed by nearly half of the centres. Neuroimaging research involves co-operation amongst typically five to 10 disciplines. Cerebrovascular disease, dementia, cognitive disorders, epilepsy, movement disorders, brain tumours and multiple sclerosis are fre quently being studied. Many groups rely on small budgets, have few full-tim e scientists and limited access to expensive resources. There is little exc hange of scientists amongst laboratories. It was felt that funding and co-o peration needed improvement in order to maintain a high standard in neuroim aging research.